authors · giveaway · interview · teacher writing · Teachers who write · writing workshop

Interview with Teacher and Author Kate Narita + Giveaway

4th grade teacher and published author, Kate Narita, answers my questions today about being a writer and an educator who is currently in the classroom. Be sure to comment for a chance to win a copy of Kate's book 100 Bugs! A Counting Story, a class set of bookmarks, and a 15 minutes Skype with Kate!

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Write. Share. Give.

It's a great day for a slice of life story! What stories must you share today?

conferring · Joy · writing workshop

Three Ways To Make Your Conferring More Effective

I've been trying to improve my own skills as I sit down next to writers throughout my years of teaching writing, and there is so much more to conferring than the three ideas that I'm sharing in this post.

writing workshop

Six Essential Acts of Kindness

Kindness is an essential part of teaching life. According to Fred Rogers, “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”

parent involvement · units of study

Communicating Clear Expectations for Writing Workshop

Words, time, language. All of these factors can be challenges when communicating efficiently and effectively with families. When in doubt, turn to creating a short video to communicate clear and concise expectations.

purpose · shared writing

Why We Should Help Children Lean On Writing in Hard Times

Seven reasons why we should help children lean on writing in hard times (with examples from a first grade classroom).

Slice of Life Story Challenge

Write. Share. Give.

It's a great day for a slice of life story! What magic might your words create today?

focus lesson · giveaway · mentor texts · photograph · poetry · professional books · ralph fletcher · writer's notebook · writing · writing workshop

Focus Lessons: A Review and Giveaway!

Reading Ralph Fletcher's newest book, Focus Lessons, revealed memories of my childhood much the way photos can be revealed in a pan of solution. Slowly, vividly, and magically.

bilingual · foreign language · guest blogger · poetry

Finding Interdisciplinary Opportunities in Writing Workshop

What happens when the next unit in third grade writing workshop is poetry and the classroom teacher stumbles across an anthology of bilingual poetry? This post describes how a third-grade homeroom teacher and a Spanish teacher collaborated to implement an interdisciplinary, bilingual poetry unit.

slice of life

Write. Share. Give.

What is happening in your corner of the world? Share your story.

argument writing · Joy · NCTE · play · social justice

A Few Reflections and Shares From NCTE 2019

For the last few days, I have had the privilege of attending the National Council of Teachers of English Convention in Baltimore, Maryland. While there were many colleagues and friends who shared the experience, I know many others couldn't attend. I'm sure there are others who will share in the upcoming weeks, but for now, in somewhat of a post-convention haze, I'm scrolling through my notes and pulling out some of my favorite quotes and ideas from my experiences.

writing workshop

Turn and Talk

One of the greatest benefits I have had in my classroom, that encompasses all things literacy, has been the addition of purposeful talk. When it comes to inviting students to think and learn after a writing strategy or any other reflective work, talking is one of the most important strategies we can use. When students… Continue reading Turn and Talk